My Report: 10% EWS Quota is to Win Back Votes in Hindi Heartland

The intent to pass the bill was to influence the 2019 general election.

What do you have to say about the 10 percent quota?

(Photo: Kamran Akhter/The Quint)

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam

On Monday, 7 January the government announced 10 percent reservation in government jobs and admissions to higher educational institutions for those from economically weaker sections (EWS) who are not included in any existing reservation scheme.

We asked what citizen journalists think about the move.

Why Now?

Most people told The Quint that the move was problematic and was made at a convenient time, that is the year of the general elections.

“I will not support reservations based on the economic system alone because we want the deprived sections of society to be represented adequately in all public spaces and public institutions.”

Krishnanath, a student from Hyderabad

Abhay, a student from Bikaner said that the intent to pass the bill was to influence the election.

There was consensus on the idea that economic criteria alone cannot be a basis for reservation.

“Legally the Supreme Court has already ruled that poverty alone cannot be the basis for providing reservation. Reservations are meant as a tool of empowerment for those classes that have suffered historic injustice.”

Shayonee from Mumbai 

Majid Alam, a student from Delhi said that the 10 percent reservation policy stands contrary to the Constitution of India, that enshrines equality of opportunity.

Quota to Woo Vote Bank of Lost Hindi Heartland

Citizen journalists said that move needed to be looked at with respect to BJP’s recent loss in three states and it was done only to “flatter the loyalists in the Hindi heartland.”

“Given BJP’s recent defeat in three states, this move is a lollipop to appease the Savarnas.”

Sachin Kumar Meena from Hindaun